At The Bar with DJ Mark Pellegrini

Mark Pellegrini – best known for his work as a DJ, producer and promoter, celebrates 40 Years Behind the Decks. To mark the occasion, he’s hosting a huge dance party at Trak Lounge Bar in Toorak on May 30th. He’ll be spinning all the tunes that defined the eras from classic dance to ’80s disco, house music and more.
Mark Pellegrini spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.

 

MY CITY

Melbourne. It’s where I was born, it’s home. It’s built on food, coffee and culture that genuinely delivers. From major sporting events to world-class live music and DJs, it has real depth. From late-night eats through to serious dining, everything is driven by people who care about craft. It also mirrors my Italian heritage, where music, food, wine and hospitality are central to life.

FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY

I love food, and when I’m out I look for places that really land on flavour and execution.
One I keep coming back to is Umberto Espresso Bar. Their spaghetti aglio e olio with anchovies hits every time. Simple dish, but it relies on precision and balance.

FAVOURITE BAR

LB’s Record Bar in Meyers Place, Melbourne. Vinyl DJs playing soul, funk, disco. Proper energy. It’s a place with personality. I’ll usually go their house margarita. Clean, balanced, no fuss.

BEST HANGOVER CURE

Hydration first. Water before sleep if possible. On waking, cold-pressed celery juice to reset my gut, then keep it simple: eggs, good bread, olive oil. Finish with an espresso and get moving.

BEST INTERSTATE BAR

Charlie Parker’s. Refined space with a strong identity. Everything is detail-driven, from ingredients to presentation, but it never feels overworked. The ambience is polished but relaxed, which is what brings me back. I’m a big fan of Averna as a digestif, so finding it in a cocktail there stood out.  The macadamia cocktail with Australian botanicals, yuzu and Averna is balanced, layered and memorable. It’s a place where the drinks have intent and the room holds a consistent energy throughout the night.

FAVOURITE WINE

At the moment it’s San Lorenzo Collina Barcaione Montepulciano 2020 from Marche.
Full-bodied, rich, easy to drink but still structured. It has depth without being heavy.

A WINERY YOU LOVE

Pt. Leo Estate. Everything aligns. The setting, the sculptures, the food, the wine. It feels creative but still grounded in execution. You can see the progression in what they’re doing and the consistency across the experience stands out.

NEXT DESTINATION

Japan. The level of discipline in food, hospitality and design is unmatched. Whether it’s street food or high-end dining, everything is intentional and refined. That mindset connects with how I approach music and experience. I’ve also heard the vinyl digging there is next level, which is a big drawcard.

The countryside is meant to have an incredible atmosphere and natural energy, with a real sense of calm and depth away from the cities.

DINNER PARTY WITH 3 FAMOUS PEOPLE – GO!

  • Rick Rubin for simplicity in creativity and process.
  • Keanu Reeves for grounded perspective and humility at scale.
  • Anthony Bourdain for storytelling through food, culture and travel.

BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB

It sits at the intersection of music and hospitality. You’re creating energy in real time. Reading a room, shaping it and lifting it when it lands. When it connects properly, it becomes a shared moment people remember. That’s what keeps it moving.

Get Social

Newsletter

Don't miss

At The Bar with TV personality and baker Dan Pasquali

Italian-born and Melbourne-based TV personality Dan Pasquali was the runner-up...

At The Bar with Paawan Engineer – Mill Place Merchants

A Melbourne speakeasy bar set inside an historic heritage-listed...

At The Bar with Hospitality Entrepreneur + The Burleigh Pavilion Owner Ben May

Hospitality entrepreneur and owner of The Burleigh Pavilion -...

Never Never Distillery’s Sean Baxter On Finding the Best Gin & Tonic in Melbourne

As co-founder of one of McLaren Vale’s gin houses...

At The Bar with Aria Restaurant Assistant Sommelier Chris Hoy

Aria Restaurant Assistant Sommelier Chris Hoy joined the Sydney...